Unboxing: Althea Korea Anti-Pollution Box

Living in Manila takes a toll on me, especially as a regular commuter. An environment so hostile to skin needs its recuperation at the end of the day that’s why I was ecstatic – an understatement – when the wonderful Althea pixies mailed me their Anti-Pollution Box to try!

I subscribe to the Korean 10-Step Skin Care Routine I rave about endlessly, and choosing the right products for my skin type is easier with a beauty platform like Althea. It’s my go-to for everything skin care because of the unbelievably low prices – with regular sales and discounts! – and the array of homegrown brands to choose from.

The monthly Althea Beauty Boxes are great for those who want to discover new products – both for skin care and make-up – without breaking the bank. You just might find your true love within these boxes!

I changed my nightly skin care routine and added the Calmia Rooibosh No Wash Cleansing Water to remove my eye make-up before a thorough double cleanse. It makes the next steps easier, and it doesn’t tug on my eyes – the most sensitive part of the face and the most susceptible to aging. Make-up comes right off without stinging my eyes; it’s super gentle!

It’s marketed as a no-wash product for incredibly lazy (hands up!) nights when you just want to go straight to bed. Of course, I still recommend a good cleansing balm/oil and a water-based cleanser (see next 2 items) to effectively remove pollutants you carried from your commute home. This is also extra helpful for moments when you’ve done a make-up boo-boo and want to fix it without ruining an entire look.

The sherbet-type cleanser is mild yet powerful – plus that packaging is extra cute! When I go all out with a full face for an event, I do this step twice and find all traces of my make-up gone. It’s such a miracle worker!

Cleanser

Water-Based Cleanser

Missha Deep Cleansing Foam

This is easily my favorite from the bunch! I’m disappointed since it’s not yet available (solo) in Althea! Let me update this entry when it is. This smells so nostalgic – just like a regular Pond’s Facial Wash. It’s thick in consistency and removes remaining impurities while retaining moisture.

I’ve had this item in my Althea bag for months, and every time I find the courage to purchase it, it’s sold out! Surely, good things come to those who wait. I personally prefer a more viscous consistency when it comes to toners – almost like an essence but not quite – but the Etude House Wonder Pore Freshener is hydrating and delivers results! It cleanses and tightens pores, controls sebum, and balances skin’s pH levels – everything a toner needs to do and more! Instead of just using the product with a cotton pad, I also add an extra layer with my hand and pat it on my face for double the moisture.

Mask

Skinfood Bitter Green Clay Soothing Mask

For a special pamper day, I love doing a face mask once a week. I leave the Skinfood Bitter Green Clay Soothing Mask on my facefor around 15-20 minutes until I feel a tightening and rinse it with warm water. It leaves my skin clean, smooth, and ready for my beauty sleep.

I don’t recommend this to people with sensitive skin or anyone suffering from breakouts because there are solid particles that can scratch your face. This is best applied with a small spatula rather than your fingers.

The ONSAEMEEIN Perfect Moisture Cream applies wet but immediately absorbs into skin. This type of consistency is extra hydrating so it’s good for dry skin! The Trehalose extract is the star of the show, preventing aging and improving wrinkles through time.

I’ve been more diligent when applying sunscreen – even when I’m just inside an office the entire day. This isn’t for everyone because it’s thick and can feel greasy when not blended well. Personally, I don’t mind because it leaves my skin really moisturized and prepped for a full face of make-up. It doesn’t smell like chemicals, which more generic sunscreens do. This is also pretty cheap considering sunscreens in the market start at around P400+.

Elisa Aquino

Elisa Aquino is a portrait photographer, life(style) writer, passion blogger, and beauty rookie from Manila, Philippines. This platform exists to document her daily musings and to showcase the life-changing power of grace to transform women from ashes to beauty.

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He will bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes. (Isaiah 61:3)